MIAMI, Fla. — A United States Postal Service employee has been arrested after authorities say he was caught attempting to steal more than $1 million in U.S. Treasury checks from a mail processing facility near Miami International Airport.
According to local10.com, 35-year-old Sylvester Green Byrd was taken into custody following a coordinated law enforcement operation targeting suspected mail theft. Officials allege that Byrd removed hundreds of Treasury-issued checks from the mail stream while working at the postal facility.
Law enforcement officers reported observing Byrd concealing bundles of checks on his person before detaining him inside the building. A subsequent search led to the recovery of 451 U.S. Treasury checks with a combined face value exceeding $1 million. Authorities noted that the total amount could increase as the investigation continues.
The case was investigated through a joint effort involving the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Secret Service, and local law enforcement agencies. Officials said the investigation began after they received information suggesting that Treasury checks were being diverted from the mail system.
Byrd faces charges including grand theft and fraudulent use or possession of personal identification information. He was booked into jail and is expected to appear in court as the case proceeds.
Investigators are also reviewing electronic evidence, including a mobile phone recovered at the time of the arrest, to determine whether others may have been involved in the alleged scheme. No additional arrests have been announced.
Authorities emphasized that theft of government-issued checks is treated as a serious offense, particularly as many of the payments may represent tax refunds, benefit payments, or other essential funds intended for individuals and families.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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